Scuba diving is an exciting and exhilarating hobby that allows you to view an underworld life most won’t ever see firsthand. When you are diving, you are given an intimate show of what life looks like below the water line. But, it takes a certain type of person to be able to go scuba diving because it is dangerous. Not only do you have to worry about losing oxygen, but what about the threat of underwater creatures?

Sharks and eels are probably the two creatures that strike fear into the hearts of most people when they think about scuba diving. But, actual attacks are very rare and your chances of getting killed or hurt are slim. Still though, you do have to think about what would happen if you were diving and came face to face with an angry shark. Your wet suit wouldn’t do anything to protect you against those teeth. So, think about that long and hard before you jump off that boat next time.

Though it is a scary thought, perhaps that’s the appeal for many scuba diving fanatics. Not only do you get to see the amazing underwater life, but you are also in a constant state of threat that something could go wrong at any minute. But, diving isn’t the only hobby that’s fraught with danger, think about rock climbing, bungee jumping and white water rafting. People love these activities for the thrill and the high they get. So, scuba diving probably isn’t any different and you get the added bonus of seeing vibrantly colored fish and exotic sea creatures as well.

Before you set off to go scuba diving, make sure you’ve been well trained. Take a class from a professional so you will know exactly what to do and when to do it. It’s always good to learn this way so you’ll know what to do in case of an emergency as well. Buy a quality wetsuit and other diving essentials and you’ll be a diving pro in no time!

Scuba (‘Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus’) diving is becoming more and more popular as a holiday activity, with the number of holiday-makers giving it a go increasing year on year. There are many specialist diving holiday companies offering deals to both novice and confident divers, and even amateur divers can book specific scuba diving holidays, usually in order to gain qualifications.

It is now commonplace for a holiday resort to offer some sort of scuba training course, sometimes in the hotel pool, to give guests a taster of scuba diving, and it’s more than likely that destinations suitable for scuba will have local companies that offer the chance to sample it. If you do decide to give it a go, make sure the company is reputable and that they are authorised to take you diving, with all the correct safety equipment and expertise, and not just a local person who may not be qualified and could prove unsafe to trust your dive with. It is not worth risking your safety, and indeed any insurance cover you have, no matter how cheap a local (and probably unqualified) guide is.

Thailand is sandwiched between The Gulf of Thailand on its eastern coastline and the vast expanse of the Andaman Sea on its western coast. It is in these body of waters that scuba divers can explore the marine life of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean without having to cross continents.

Thailand’s Andaman Sea stretches 870km (541 miles) from Tarutao National Park on the border of Malaysia to the Surin Islands on the border of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is part of the Indian Ocean and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman-Nicobar Ridge. Quaint formations of granite outcrops can be senn in the Surin and Similan Islands.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Finding a course. First step is to find a local school or club. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) have an easy to use search tool on their website to help you find a local school. If you are in the UK you might also check out the BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) website to find a local club.

What to look for in your teachers. It is important that you are comfortable with your scuba diving instructor. Even if you haven’t signed up yet a good instructor will make time for you and answer your questions. Ask questions about group sizes, schedules and what is included in your course prices. Make sure you are comfortable with what you here, if you aren’t shop around.

Equipment To begin with you should only need your swimsuit and towel. Most centres should provide you with equipment for your course, this may or may not be included in your course fees. Don’t feel pressurised to buy equipment when you start the course, there will be time for that later.

Course structure. Different dive schools will structure the course differently, but the basics to expect are;

Theory sessions – introducing the concepts of scuba diving Confined water / pool sessions – in these sessions your instructor will deomonstrate basic scuba skills to you, you then show them back. This is the time to learn, practice, make mistake and perfect skills. Open water sessions – when your instructor feels you are ready they will take you to on a dive at a site suitable to your experience. Now is the time to show those skills you have just perfected in the pool. Thecourse is your time to learn, a good instructor will teach at your pace, answer questions and give you help on any skills you get stuck on.

Need more information. There are lots of scuba diving forums and websites where you can ask questions and get honest answers. Remember there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.